Machine tool



y 1939- F. J. KAMPMEIER 2,160,476

MACHINE 'rooL Filed April 22, 1936 5 Sheets5heet :5

May 30, 1939.

F. J. KAMPM EIER cums TOOL- Filed April 22, 1936 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 May 30, 1939- F, J. KAMPMEIER 2,160,476

MACHINE TOOL Filed April 22,- 1936 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 204 11m Jredaflck j kompme/r Patented May 30, 1939 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE MACHINE TOOL Application April 22, 1936, Serial No. 75,857

. 15 Claims.

This invention relates to general purpose machine tool organizations, particularly those of the type in which work pieces are transferred into a machine tool proper, accurately located and clamped in working position, and then machined by mechanisms which operate sequentially in a predetermined substantially automatic cycle.

One object is to provide, in a machine tool organization of the above general character, a

novel means for detecting correct and accurate positioning of the work piece to be machined and disabling the relative tool and work feeding mechanism until such positioning has taken place.

A more detailed object is to provide a novel means for detecting the presence of foreign matter such as chips or the like between the work piece and the means for locating the same in working position.

Another object is to provide a new and improved mechanism for transferring the work pieces to the machine tool proper.

The invention also resides in the novel manner in which the work transferring, clamping and feed mechanisms are interrelated to insure operation in proper sequence and at optimum production capacity.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which Figure 1 is an elevational view of a multiple machine tool assembly embodying the features of the present invention.

Fig. 2 is a fragmentary perspective view of one of the work pieces and certain parts of the machine control mechanism.

Fig, 3 is a fragmentary sectional view of Fig. 4 showing the cutter driving means.

Fig. 4 is a vertical sectional view taken along the line 4-4 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 5 is a vertical sectional view taken along the line 5-5 of Fig. l, the work conveyor being omitted.

Fig. 6 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view taken along the line 6-45 of Fig. 1.

Fig. '7 is a schematic view of the hydraulic controls.

Fig. 8 is a schematic view of the electric con- 50 trols.

While the invention is susceptible of various modifications and alternative constructions,I have shown in the drawings and will herein describe in detail the preferred embodiment, but it is to 65 be understood that I do not thereby intend to limit the invention to the specific form disclosed, but intend to cover all modifications and alternative constructions falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as expressed in the appended claims.

For purposes of illustrating the invention, I have shown in the drawings a machine tool assembly of the type in which roughing, semifinishing and finishing operations are performed on work pieces II) in a plurality of separate machines or stations II, It! and I3 which are spaced along a horizontal conveyor or slideway along which the work pieces are advanced step-by-step by a power actuated transfer mechanism. In each station, the work piece is elevated from the slideway and pressed against plates and thus located accurately in working position in which it is clamped while being operated on by tools on movable heads. Finally the piece is lowered onto the conveyor and advanced to the next station.

In certain of its aspects, the present invention has to do more particularly with the provision, in a machine of the above general character, of a novel means for insuring location of the work pieces with a high degree of accuracy preparatory to machining in spite of the presence of chips or foreign matter that may come onto the work pieces and the possibility of accidental displacement thereof. The invention is also concerned with the construction of the work transfer mechanism and with the novel manner in which the power operated transfer, elevating and tool feeding mechanisms in all of the different stations are intercontrolled so that the movements of the actuated parts occur in proper time sequence.

In the present instance, the machine at the roughing station is of the same general construction as the finishing machines so that a description of the latter machines will suffice. Each machine is arranged to bore simultaneously the cam shaft holes l4 and the half bearing recesses l5 for the crank shaft bearings in the end walls l6 and cross web I! in an engine block of the V-type. It will be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to this type of work but may be applied to a wide variety of different Inclined side rails 2| rigid with from the platen.

the block against lateral displacement and to guide the same in its movement onto and oif In the present instance, the platen is mounted on the upper end of a vertical rod 22 slidable in a sleeve 23 in the base 26 and carrying at its lower end a piston 24 operating in a cylinder 25.

Upstanding from the corners of the base 26 and disposed on opposite sides of the platen l9 are posts 26 which provide vertical slideways 21 engageable with the corner portions 26 of the platen so as to effect accurate guiding of the latter in its vertical movement. The posts are rigidly connected at their upper ends by a superstructure 29 carrying plates 36 having hardened downwardly facing horizontal surfaces 3| against which the crank case flange or bottom surface 32 of the block I6 is pressed to locate the same vertically in working position. Location of the block laterally is effected by two dowel pins 33 projecting downwardly from certain of the locating plates and having cylindrical base portions adapted to flt snugly in dowel holes 34 formed in the bottom of the block. I

The bearing recesses in each web or end wall are, in the present instance, machined by a pair of cylindrical cutters 36 and 31 fast on parallel spindles 38 and 39 which project laterally from an arm or saddle 46 projecting downwardly from an elongated tool slide or carriage 4|. The saddles are spaced along the slide to correspond to the spacing of the holes to be bored so that the saddles and the cutter thereon will enter the respective crank case openings and become positioned in proper alinement with the holes to be bored as the block is raised to working position as shown in Fig. 4. By locating the axes of the cutters 36 and 31 accurately with respect to the surface of the plates 3| and with respect to each other, it will be observed that the cutters will,

as an incident to raising the block into its working position, be positioned with an extremely high degree of accuracy with respect to a point of reference on the block. To obtain this accuracy of position, it is'only necessary to locate the block on the platen l9 with the dowel holes 34 approximately in alinement with the dowel pins 33 which are tapered at their lower ends so as to compensate for slight variations in the positioning of the block.

The tool slide 4| is of rigid construction and is supported at opposite side edges in spaced guideways 42 formed on the super-structure 29. a The slide is thus adapted for endwise reciprocation parallel to the axes of the recesses to be bored so that if the block has been raised to working position, all of the holes in the webs of the different blocks and end walls will be bored simultaneously as the slide 4| is fed forwardly, that is, to the right as viewed in Fig. l.

The cutters 36 and 31 on each of the saddles 46 are rotated from a common shaft 43 disposed externally of the block during the boring operation. Herein, the shaft is splined throughout its length and disposed in a channel 44 formed in and extending longitudinally of the slide 4| and defining a cylindrical surface which' is interrupted at the lower side to form an opening through which drive connections may be extended to the different sets of cutters. Splined on the shaft 43 are spur gears 44 meshing with gears 45 on the respective saddles 46. These latter gears in turn mesh with pinions 46 on the spindles 39. The cam shaft spindles 38 carry pinions 41 which mesh with gears 48 in turn meshing with the pinions 46. The cutter spindles are suitably journaied in anti-friction bearings supported by the saddles.

At spaced joints along its length, the shaft 43 is joumaled in bearings 49 supported in the channel 44. Power for rotating the shaft 43 is transmitted thereto from a motor 5| mounted on the super-structure 29 and having its shaft connected to the shaft 43 through the medium of a belt 52.

A common tool slide 4| is employed for the two finishing machines. Any suitable means may be employed for feeding the tool slide in automatic cycles of feed and rapid traverse motions. Herein, one end of the slide is connected to a rod 54 carrying a piston 55 reciprocable within a cylinder 56 mounted on and disposed at one end of the frame super-structure 29. Pressure fluid delivered to a common feed line 51 by a constant volume pump 58 driven by a motor 59 is delivered through pipes 66 and 6| to the forward or rear end of the cylinder 56 according to the position of the movable member 62 of atwo-way valve 63 connected to the armature 64 of a solenoid winding 65.

The valve 63' is of well known construction and is arranged in a manner such that when the winding 65 is deenergized, the member 64 will be positioned as shown connecting the supply line 51 to the pipe 6|, pressure being thereby applied to the rear end of the cylinder 56 causing the tool slide 4| to be retracted to or maintained in starting position (Fig. 7) the pipe 66 being at this time connected to the drain pipe 66. When the solenoid 65 is energized, the position of the valve member is reversed, the pipe 6| being connected to the drain and pressure fluid being supplied through the pipe 66 to the forward end of the cylinder.

The rats! of feed of the tool slide may be varied by regulating a valve indicated at 61 which controls the rate of fluid flow from the rear end of the cylinder. To provide for rapid approach movement of the tool slide, a branch pipe 68 is interposed in parallel with the valve 61 and connected to a shut-off valve 61*, its member 69, when in the position shown in Fig. 7, is adapted to permit the free flow of fluid from the cylinder 56 through the unrestricted opening 69" thereby causing rapid approach movement of the tool slide. After the initial advance of the slide, a cam 16 thereon engages a roller 1| on the valve member 69 shifting the latter to closed position thereby directing the flow of fluid through the valve 61 causing continued movement of the tool slide at the feed rate.

To elevate and lower the platens, the lower ends of the cylinders 25 in the finishing machines i2 and I3 are arranged to be connected by a valve 13 either to the supply line 51 or to the drain line 66. This is effected by energization and deenergization of a solenoid 14 the armature 15 of which is connected to themember 16 of the valve 13. The solenoid winding is normally energized and maintains a connection between the cylinders 25 and the drain line. When the solenoid is deenergized, the position of the valve member 16 is reversed and a pipe 11 is connected to the supply line 51 so that fluid will be delivered to the cylinders and the platens will be raised until the blocks thereon become clamped against the locating plates 36 where the blocks are maintained under the continued pressure applied to the pistons, 24. The appropriate pressure relief valves 18 are included in the lines to insure the proper functioning of the circuits above described. Ball check valves 18' are also provided to permit the free entry of fluid past the rate valves.

The platens l8 constitute sections of the conveyor or slideway along which the blocks I8 are advanced through the successive machines II, I2 and I3. In their lowermost positions, these conveyor sections are alined in end-to-end relation with each other and with horizontal sections 18, 88 and 8| thereby forming a continuous slideway extending through and beyond all of the machines. -Herein the latter sections each comprise a pair of spaced bars 82 supporting rollers 83 providing horizontal supporting surfaces in the horizontal plane of the skid plates I8 on the platens. Preferably, the sections 88 and 8| between the roughing and semi-finishing machines are equipped with guide rails 88 to avoid the possibility of accidental lateral displacement.

The novel mechanism by which the blocks I8 88 are advanced along the slideway includes a shutmay be moved axially without shifting the blocks tie or rod 85 extending alongside the blocks on the ,slideway and throughout the length of the latter and'joumaled at spaced points in brackets 85 on the posts 28 so as to be adapted for angular as well as endwise movement. Projecting laterally from the 'rod are pairs of rigid arms 81, the arms of each pair having parallel edges 88 facing toward each other and spaced apart a distance only slightly greaterjthan the length of that portion of the block I8 adjacent the crank case flange. Thus, when the arms are" swung upwardly and free of the blocks as shown in Fig. 6, the rod 85 along the slideway. When, however, the rod is turned clockwise as viewed in Fig. 6, the arms will be swung downwardly and thus positioned as shown in Fig. and adapted for engagement with the ends of the blocks. By employing twoarms for each block, the latter will always follow the movements of the rods and there will be no possibility of any of the blocks on the slideway becoming displaced relative to each other either accidentally or otherwise.

The different pairs of arms ,8! are spaced relative to each other to correspond accurately to the longitudinal spacing of the blocks desired when the latter are in working positions in the different machines. Thus, by shifting the rod 85 to the right as viewed in Fig.- 1 into a predetermined limit position in which a collar 88 on the rod engages the end of the bracket 86 (Fig. 1), the blocks on the platens I8 will be moved out of the respective machines and a new set of blocks will be advanced onto the platens and positioned with their dowel holes 38 in alinement with the lower ends of the dowel pins 33 of the respective machines. Likewise, when the rod is turned to I move the arms 81 out of engaging relation with respect to the blocks and then retracted to its other limit position, the arms will be positioned for engagement with the next adjacent blocks. In 'this'way, a series of blocks may be advanced through the different machines and stopped in I proper positions preparatory to clamping, and all that is required of the machine operator is to place the blocks one-by-one on the conveyor section 18 and position the blocks thereon for proper engagement with the first set of arms 81. Suitable detent means (not shown) is provided for holdingthe transfer bar 85 yieldingly in either of its two angular positions.

To avoid the possibility of the blocks on the intermediate conveyor sections 88 and 8| becoming displaced accidentally, automatically oper-- vanced out of the roughing machine.

on these sections against endwise movement while the arms 81 of the transfer rod are out of engagement therewith. Herein this means comprises a series of arms or segments 88 rigid with and projecting laterally from a tube 8| surrounding the rod and rotatably supported at opposite ends on the adjacentposts 26 of the machines II and I2. The tube has a longitudinal slot 82 through which the arms 81 project, the tube being thus adapted to turn with the rod by permitting independent axial shifting of the latter. The spacing of the arms 88 is the same as that of the transfer arms 87 and their angular position is such that when the transfer arms are swung downwardly into engaging relation with respect to the blocks, the arms 88 will be disposed below the blocks and the latter will be free for movement with the transfer rod. However, when the rod 85 is turned to swing the arms 81 upwardly as shown in Fig. 6, the arms 88 will be swung upwardly along opposite ends of the blocks thereby positively holding these blocks against end- Wise movement while the transfer arms are out of engagement with the blocks.

Preferably, the transfer rod 85 1s reciprocated by power from the same source as that used to actuate the tool slides and platens. For this purpose a cylinder 83 ismounted on the finishing machine I3 alongside therod and has therein a piston 34 (Fig. 7) on a rod 85, the projecting end of which is rigidly connected by a cross bar 96 to the end of the transfer rod 85. Fluid from the supply line 51 is delivered through pipes 81 and 88 to one end or the other of the cylinder 83 under the control of a two-position valve 88 having a member I88 shiftable into one of two positions according to whether or not a solenoid IN is energized. When the solenoid is energized,- pressure fluid is supplied to the cylinder 83 through the p pe 81 so that the transfer bar will be shifted to the right thereby advancing the blocks along the conveyor. The connections are reversed when the solenoid 'becomes deenergized,

thereby causing the rod 88 to be retracted to starting position which is determined by the travel of the piston 94.

In order to prevent the substantial amount of chips formed during the operation of the roughing machine II from interfering with the normal operation of the semi-finishing and finishing machines l2 and I3, provision is made for removing the chips from the block after it has been ad- This may be accomplished, for example, by tilting each block about an axis extending longitudinally thereof while the block is supported on the conveyor section 88. To this'end, the section 88 is mounted on a plate I82 (Fig. 5) fast on a shaft I83 which extends along the center line of the block slideway but is disposed therebelow and is journaled in bearings supported by a base I84. Upstanding from the plate I82 are bracket arms I85 which overlie the block at opposite ends thereof and hold the same in place on the section 88 while thelatter is being tilted to dump the chips. During this tilting movement the block is moved between two curved rails I85 supported from the base I 84 and acting to hold the block againstendwise movement. Tilting of the plate I82 is effected by a reversible motor I81 operating through worm gearing I88 and spur gearing I89 to oscillate a gear 8 fast on the shaft I83.

Operation of the motor I8! is controlled by solenoid switches III and H2, the motor running,

tion, and a conductor I2I leading to the line L1. Closure of the switch II1 occurs as a dog I22' pivoted on one platen I ,engages a follower I20 carrying the movable contact of the switch. As;

the platen is lowered, the dog tilts-against the ac" tion of a spring I24 and does not close the switch.

The switch I20, which is of the snap type is.

housed in a casing I25 (Fig. and itsoperatiri able contact of the switch I40. Thus, when the rod is turned-counter-clockwise to raise the arms 01 out of engagement with the blocks, the cam I5I dthefollowerasshowninl'ig.6 thereby opening the switch. After initial energimtion, the solenoid I40 is maintained energised through a circuit which extends from the line In through the winding, the conductor I40, the switch I40, a conductor I50, the then closed switch I54, conductorsflland I55, a switch I51 which is closed when the pump motor switches I00 are closed, the conductor I42 to the line Li.

Energization of the platen valve solenoid 14 is controlled by either of two circuits, one extending from the line .14 through the coil 14, a conductor I50, a switch I50 which is closed when a solenoid I00 is energized, a conductor "I, a

"switch I02 which is closed when the platen I0 lever I26 is connected to a vertical rod I21 which hisln its lowermost position, the conductors I00 is normally depressed by the plate I02 maintaining the switch I20 closed. Energization of the winding H5 is maintained through a sealing circuit including a switch I 20 in parallel with the switch H1 and closed whenever the winding J15 is energized. v

After the plate I,02 carrying the rough bored block has been tilted through a half revolution, a pin I on the bracket I05 engages the actuat-' ing lever I npiiening the switch I20 and closing a switch 100 which completes the circuit for energizing the winding iii of the solenoid switch II2. Rotation of the motor I01 is then reversed causing the plate to be turned back to normal position. As this position is approached, the plate depresses the rod I21 thereby opening the switch J00 to stop the motor and also close the switch I20 preparatory to the next operation of the block tilting mechanism. When the block has been inverted by tilting of. the blade I02, air blasts from nozzles! are directed into the casting to remove any chips that might remain on the parts of the block.

Referring now to the wiring diagram (Fig. 8), the pump motor 50 and the drive motor5l are energized from the power lines L1, In and L: by solenoid switches I00 and I 04. The winding I05 of the switch I34 is energized through a circuit extending from the line L; through conductors I00 and I31,the winding I35, a conductor I00, a normally open manually operable switch I00, a conductor I40 having a normally closed manually operable emergency stop switch I therein, and a conductor I42 to the line L1. After initial energization, the'solenoid switch is maintained 'closed through a sealing switch I40 in parallel with the start switch I00. The energizing circuit for thesolenoid switch I00 extends through a normally closed stop switch I44 and either the manual switch I00 or the maintaining switch I43.

The solenoid coil IN by which the transfer bar actuator is controlled is governed by a circuit extending from the line L: through the coil "I, a switch I45 which is closed when a solenoid I45 is energized, and a conductor I41 leading to the line L1. The circuit of the solenoid I45 -extends through a conductor I40, a normally closed switch I49, a normally open switch I adapted to be closed by depressing a push button on the roughing machine I0, a conductor IIO and the switch I20 which is closed when the conveyor section 00 is in normal horizontal position. In the advanced position of the transfer" rod, a cam I5I (Fig. '1) thereon is broughtAnto operative relation to a follower I52 connected to the movchine frame inthe path of a cam I05 on the platen which cam opens the switch in the initial upward movement of the platen. The energizing line L1.

circuit for the solenoid I50 extends from the line La, through the solenoid coil, a conductor I00,v

a normally closed switch I01, a conductor I00. the conductor. I55, the switch I 51, and the conductor I 42. to the line L1. The movable contact a solenoid "I is energized, the conductor I50 through the switch I51 and conductor I42 to the The winding of the solenoid "I is energized initially through a circuit extending through a conductor I12, a switch I10 which is closed as the tool slide completes its return movement, conductors I14 and I15, a switch.- I10 actuated by the platen cam- I05,. conductors I03 and I55and thence to the lineLr. Closure of the switch I10 is (mected by a lever I11 fulcrumed on a fixed pivotand having an arm I10 positioned to be engaged bya pivoted dog I10 on the tool slide 4I as the-latter approaches starting position in moving to the left as viewed in Fig. 7. Thus, as the dog passes the arm I10 while held by a pin I00 against pivoting, the lever I11 is moved to close the switch I10. In the reverse movement of the tool slide 4i, the dog rides over the arm without effect; The winding "I is maintained energized by a switch I1I which is closed when the winding is energized, and is connected in parallel with the switch I10.

The present invention contemplates the provision, in all of the machines I0, II and I2, of means for disabling the tool slide actuator against forward movement until the blocks have been brought into proper association with the locating dowels, that is, the lower ends of the pins 00 communicating with the platen cylinder. By

posed in series relation in the energizing circuit of the winding I82 of a solenoid which controls the tool slide, said switches having actuating elements positioned for engagement with spaced is accomplished by mounting the housing I 91,

points on the crank case flange 35 as the block is moved within approximately one one-thousandth of an inch of the locating plate surfaces 3|. So long as any one, of these switches remains open, energization of the solenoid I82 will be prevented thereby maintaining open a switch I83 which controls. the circuit by which the solenoid 65 is energized. While the sensitive switches may be of any desired construction, they are shown in Figs. 2 and 4 as comprising two contacts I84 mounted within a casing I85 on the super structure 29 and a movable contact I86 bearing against the free end of a lever I81 pivoted at I88 and bearing intermediate its ends against an adjusting screw I89 on the end of a second longer lever I98. The latter is pivoted at I9I on the frame 29 and near its fulcrum carries a feeler in the form of a projection I92 accurately disposed slightly below the lower surface 3| of the locating plates so as to be engaged by the crank case flange in the final increment of movement of the opposed portion of the block surface 32 into abutment with the surface 3|. Through the multiplying. levers thus provided, the switches I8I may, by proper adjustment, be arranged to respond to a movement of the projection I92 on the order of one one-thousandth of an-inch. Preferably, the four levers I98 for each block are widely spaced apart. As shown in Fig. 2, two of the feelers I92 will engage the flange surface 32 on each side of the block flange 35 near Opposite ends thereof.

In view of the high degree of sensitivity of the switches I8I, the presence of chips or other foreign matter on any part of the crank case flange surface '32 as the block is being elevated to working position will be detected as evidenced by failure of some one portion of the flange surface opposite at least one of the feelers I92 to come within approximately one one-thousandth of an inch of the locating surfaces 3| and close the corresponding switch I8I. Failure of any one switch to close will prevent energization of thesolenoid I82 and. advance of the tool slide at the intended time. Sincethe feelers I92 cannot be engaged until after the dowel means on the block andlocating plates have interengaged properly, the switches I 8I also serve to disable the tool slide in the event that the block is not positioned on the platen with suflicient accuracy to enable the dowels to function as intended.

In addition to the eight series switches I8I, the energizing circuit for the solenoid I82 in cludes a conductor I93, a switch I94 which is closed only after the block has been clamped against the plates 38 under the desired pressure, a normally closed manually operable switch, and a conductor I95 having therein a switch I98 of the snap type which is actuated by the tool slide 4|, being shifted to closed position when the slide returns to starting position and to open position as the slide completes its feed movement. This (Fig. 7 for the switch I96 on the frame 29 with a ,rod I98 carrying the movable switch contact positioned for engagement with adjustable stops I99 and 288 (Figs. 7 and 8) on the slide H.

To detect correct final clamping of the block in working position, the movable contact of the 75 switch I94 is on a piston 28I in a cylinder 282 solenoids I4 and properly pre-loading the piston, the switch I94 is arranged to remain open under the pressure developed in theplaten cylinder while the block is being elevated but to become closed in response to a predetermined higher pressure which builds up in the cylinder after the block engages the locating plates 38 and is held clamped thereagainst.

In the roughing machine II, substantially all of the parts of the hydraulic and electrical control circuits above described are duplicated except for the solenoid I46 which is equipped with a switch 2I8 which controls the transfer bar solenoid I8I of the roughing machine.

An indicator is provided to enable an operator standing near the loading station to readily detect a failure of the finishing machines to go through the cycle in the normal Way. The indicator may take the form of electric signal lamps 283 (Figs. 1 and 8) mounted on the machine I2 in a suitable place and arranged to be turned on by closure of a switch 284. The movable contact of the latter is on a follower 285 (Fig. '7) which is engaged by a cam 286 on the tool slide 4| in the initial movement of the latter. The arm maintains the switch open when the slide is returned to starting position and closes the switch when the slide starts to move. Failure of the lights to be turned on during the normal boring operation will thus indicate to the operator that the machine is not functioning properly.

Operation The machines above described operate in the following manner assuming that the transfer bar 85 and the tool slides are fully retracted and the platens I9 lowered. The operator first closes the push button switch I39 which effects closure of the solenoid switches I33 and I34 to'start the pump motor 68 and the tool drive motor I. The I68 thus become energized through the switch I5'I so as to maintain the valve 13 positioned to connect the pipe I! to the drain line, the platens thereby remaining in their lowermost positions. All of the parts are then positioned as shown in Figs. 7 and 8.

The operator first grasps the handle 85 and turns the transfer rod 85 counter-clockwise as viewed in Fig. 7 to swing the arms 81 down into engaging relation with respect to the different blocks. Then, the push button switch I58 is closed thereby energizing the solenoid I46 through the then closed switches I28 and I49. This closes the switch I 45 which energizes the solenoid I8I operating the valve 99 to permit pressure fluid to flow into the forward end of the cylinder 93.

As a result, the transfer bar 85 is shifted tocollar 89 opens the switch I6I thereby deener-v gizing the solenoid I68 which opens the switch I59 and in turn deenergizing the solenoid I4 which permits movement of the valve member '|6 to connect the supply line 51 with the pipe 'II.

Fluid is thus delivered to the platen cylinders 25 thereby starting upward movement of the platens and the blocks thereon. In this initial movement, the cam I closes the switch "6 to prepare the circuit for energizing the solenoid III in the latter part of the cycle and opens the switch I" which maintains the solenoid 14 deenergized. I v

A dog I22 effects momentary closure of the switch I I! in the upward movement of the platen thereby initiating a cycle of operation of the turnovenflxture for tilting the conveyor section III.' The motor ill of the tilting mechanism goes through an independent cycle and stops automatically independently of the operation of the other parts.

If the blocks it on the different platens are positioned properly and their upper surfaces 82 are free from chips or other foreign material, the dowel pins 33 will,- as the blocks approach the locating plates ll, enter the dowel holes 34 guiding the block into proper position as it, reaches the locating surfaces. The cutterswfl and 31 are thus located properly with respect to the holes to be bored thereby. In the flnal movements of the blocks, the surfaces 32 thereon ensage all of the projections I82 thereby closing-the switches ill. Then, as the pressure in the platen cylinder builds up following engagement of the locating surfaces'and the clamping of the block thereagainst. the switch I becomes closed completing the circuit for energizing the solenoid ll! through the eight then closed switches Ill and the then closed switch I". As 5 a result, the switch It: is closed completing the energizing circuit for the solenoid I which shifts the valve member 62 into a position to connect the supply line 51 to the forward end of the cylinder. Forward movement of the tool slide II is thus initiated at rapid traverse rate and continues until the cam ll actuates the valve member 69 to close the outlet pipe is and direct the discharge fluid through the restricted opening of the valve 81, movement of'the slide continuing at the feed rate. At this time, the cutters I6 and 31 enter the openings l4 and II in the blocls and. perform the boring operations.

While the ,boring operation is in progress, the operator usually loads a new block onto the conveyor section 19. The transfer bararms 81 may then be rotated upwardly out of engagement with the blocks in in the machine and on the sections 8i and 80, the latter blocks being then held in proper position by the arms SI. In such rotation of the bar 85, the cam iii on the collar 09 depresses the follower ill thereby opening the switch I and interrupting the circuit to the transfer bar control solenoid I. The switch I, which is opened when the solenoid I is deenergized, breaks the circuit to the solenoid ll-"permitting the member Hill of the valve I! to shift back to the position shown in Fig. '7

causing pressure fluid to be directed through the pipe 9| into the rear of the cylinder ll. The transfer rod I! is thus retracted to starting position (Fig. 7), movement thereof being arrested when the piston 94 reaches. the end of the cylinder. As the collar 8! moves awayfrom the bracket 86, the switch I" is permitted to close completing the circuit to the solenoid Ill, energizing the same and thus closing the switch I". In order that the transfer rod may be detracted.

.- without causing the platens to be lowered when the switch l5! closes, the switch is: is arranged in the initial energizing circuit of the solenoid ll. Since the switch is opened in the initial 7 upward movement of the platen, it prevents the solenoid 14 from being energized when the switch lt'libecomes closed. It will be seen that interlocking means has been provided which permits the transfer rod to be returned at any time in piston II in its cylinder.

the boring cycle and which prevents the lowering oftheplatensuntilthetoolslidehasreturned to a proper position as will now appear.

At the completion of the boring operation, the stop III on the slide ll engages the rod Island opens the switch III thus interrupting the circuit of the solenoid ill. Deenergization of the coil ll! permits the switch Ill to open and deenergize the coil I. The member I! of the valve I3 is shifted to the position shown in Fig. 7 thereby directing pressure fluid into the pipe CI. The ball check valve Isshunted around the rate valve .1 permits the free flow of fluid pressure to the rear end-of the cylinder to rapidly return the cutter slide 4| to the starting position which is determined by the limit position of the return of the tool slideto its initial positioncai'mes the projection II to engage the fol-,

lower its and close the switch ill. The circuit including the solenoid, Ill is thereby conditioned I for the next cycle. In order prevent recycling of the tool slide M at thistime; *means is provided to disable the circuit the solenoid ll! before the switch I" is closed. This is accom-' plished by including the pressure switch I in the circuit and starting to lower the platens before the slide is .completely returned.

Thus near the end ofthe return movement of the tool slide I, the a lllthereon strikes the arm I'll causing the e er I" to rock about its pivot and close. the switch in. A circuit is thereby completed through the then closed switch I18 and thesolenoid III is" energized resulting in closure of the switch I'll, continued energization of the solenoid I'll being maintained through the locking circuit including the switches Ill and ill, the latter remaining closed by the cam III. This completes a circuit to reenergize the platen solenoid 14 thus moving the valve member I. to the position shown in Fig. 7 and connecting the pipe H to the drain. The pressure in z the cylinder II! will thereupon diminish thus allowing the switch I to open. The platen will then be lowered during which time the cam I" permits the switch "8 to open and the switch I" to close. Closure of the switch I62 again completes the circuit to the solenoid ll through the then closed switch I Bl. Thus the platen upon reaching its lowermost position will remain there until the switch I" is again opened in the next cycle.

As soon as the platens are completely lowered, the cycle push buttonJll' may be depressed and another cycle initiated. During the ensuing cyclei fthe new block will be moved into the machine If this the finished block in the machine is moved out onto theconveyor while the intermediate blocks are also all advanced one position.

The several manual switches provided are for the convenience of the operator or for emergencies. The switch I may be opened, for

instance, during the setting up or tooling of the machine when only the drive motor ii is required.

The switch 4 may be opened to disable the turnover motor I" in the event its operation is not required. The switch Ill connected in series with the switches I", I94 and I9. provides a means for deenergizing the solenoids II! and 65.

Deenergization of the solenoid 65 shiftsthe member 82 as previously described. Thus the tool slide may be retracted at any time during the boring cycle that the operator may find it necessary. From the foregoing, it will be seen that the operating mechanisms for the transfer bar 85, the platens l9 and the tool slides 4| are so interlocked as to insure operation in proper sequence under all conditions and in spite of the possibility of error on the part of the operator in actuating the controls. Also advance of the tool slide 4| is effectually prevented in the event that the dowel pins 33 do not properly enter the dowel holes in the block as it is being elevated or in the event that there is any foreign matter on the upper surface of the crank case flange or on the lower surfaces of the locating plates when the block approaches its uppermost or working position. In such events, owing to the extremely sensitive character of the switches |8|, one or more of the latter will remain open thereby disabling the tool slide actuator. The failure of the tool slide 4| of either the roughing or finishing machines to advance at the proper time will be indicated by the signal lamps 203 on these machines.

When the tool slide actuator becomes disabled, the cause of the difficulty may be remedied by depressing a laterally extending rod (Figs. 1 and '7). This rod is located to move the lever I" when pushed inwardly by the operator, thereby closing the switch I13 to effect energization of the solenoid in the same way or in the regular cycle. The solenoid I4 is thus energized by closing of the switch I10, the member 16 of the valve 13 being shifted to connect the platen cylinders 25 to the drain. It will be necessary, however, for the operator to raise the arms 81 of the transfer rod thereby closing the switch I49 and causing the same to return to its initial position. As the transfer bar moves away from the bracket 86 the switch |6'| will be closed thus permitting the energization of the solenoid M to be transferred to the solenoid I60 during the descent of the platens. After the platens have reached their lowermost positions, the surfaces of the locating plates 30 and the block may be cleaned and the cycle initiated in the regular Way by closing the switch I50, whereupon the previously positioned blocks will be operated upon. In this case, however, it will not be necessary to advance a new set of blocks into the' machine so that the operator will leave the transfer rod arms 81 in their upright positions and the transfer rod will thus go through an idle motion. After the switch I61 has been opened, the remainder of the cycle will take place as previously described.

I claim as my invention:

1. A machine tool having, in combination, a vertically movable support on which a work piece may be mounted, accurately located downwardly facing abutment surfaces positioned to engage a surface of the work piece as said support is elevated, hydraulically actuated means adapted when supplied with pressure fluid to elevate said support and clamp the work piece thereon in working position against said abutment surfaces preparatory to machining the work piece, dowel means associated with said abutment surfaces and interengaging with complemental dowel means on the work piece to effect accurate location ofthe work piece laterally as it approaches said abutment surfaces, a tool for performing a machining operation on the positioned work piece, a device responsive to the final movement of said work piece following interengagement of said dowel means, a device arranged to detect a predetermined pressure built up in said hydraulic means following engagement of said work piece and abutment surfaces, and power actuated mechanism controlled by the joint action of said devices and operating in response thereto to effect relative feeding movementbetween said tool and work piece.

2. A machine tool having, in combination, a work locating abutment, means for moving a work piece to be machined toward said abutment to bring a surface on the work piece into engagement with a surface on the abutment and thereby locate the piece in position to be operated upon, at least three independently operable devices responsive to the final increment of movement of points on the work piece surface spaced laterally thereof in two transverse directions, and means controlled by all of said devices to detect full contact between said surfaces at all of said points or spacing of said surfaces greater than a few thousandths of an inch whereby to indicate the absence or the presence of foreign matter at any one of the points.

3. A machine tool organization having, in combination, an elongated conveyor for supporting a succession-of work pieces in spaced relation, a plurality of machines spaced along said conveyor and adapted to perform material removing operations on the successive work pieces presented thereto, a rod extending longitudinally of the conveyor and mounted for endwise reciprocation, said rod also being movable angularly between two positions, and a plurality of shoulders rigid with and extending laterally from said rod and spaced therealong distances greater than the length of the work pieces, said shoulders being engageable with the respective work pieces when said rod is in one of said positions but being free of the work pieces when the rod is in the other of said positions.

4. A machine tool organization having, in combination, an elongated conveyor for supporting a succession of work pieces in spaced relation, a

plurality of machines spaced along said conveyor and adapted to perform material removing operations on the successive work pieces presented thereto, a rod extending longitudinally of the conveyor and mounted for endwise reciprocation, said rod also being movable angularly between two positions, a plurality of laterally extending shoulders rigid with said rod and spaced therealong distances greater than the length of the work pieces, said shoulders, when said rod is in one of said angular positions, being engageable with corresponding ends of the successive work pieces whereby all of said pieces will be advanced along the conveyor during endwise movement of the rod in one direction, and another set of shoulders on said rod occupying substantially the same angular position as said first mentioned shoulders and each spaced along the rod a distance slightly greater than the length of said work piece whereby each pair of first and second shoulders maintains one work piece positively against substantial movement relative to said rod when the shouldersare in said first mentioned position.

5. The combination with a conveyor for supporting a succession of work pieces of an elongated bar extending longitudinally of said conveyor and mounted for endwise and also for angular movement, and a plurality of spaced pairs of shoulders rigid with and projecting laterally from said rod, the shoulders of each pair being spaced for engagement with opposite ends of a work piece whereby to hold each work piece positively against movement relative to said rod when the latter is in one angular position, and said rod being retraotible independently of the work pieces when swung to a position to disengage the shoulders from the work pieces.

6. The combination with a conveyor for supporting a succession of work pieces, of an elongated member reciprocable longitudinally of said conveyor, lateral shoulders on said member to engage the respective work pieces and advance the same along the conveyor upon movement of the member in one direction, said shoulders being arranged to pass the work pieces upon retraction of said member, a second set of shoulders spaced from the corresponding shoulders of the first set and acting while the latter shoulders are in engagement with the work pieces to positively prevent relative movement between the work pieces and the member in a direction longitudinally of the latter, and means acting automatically as an incident to retraction of said member to hold cermm of said work pieces positively against movement longitudinally of said conveyor.

7. The combination with a conveyor for supporting a succession of work pieces of an elongated bar extending longitudinally of said conveyor and mounted for endwise movement and also for angular movement between two positions, members on said bar adapted for engagement with the respective work pieces when the bar is in one of said angular positions whereby to advance the work pieces along said conveyor when said bar is moved endwise, said bar being retractible independently when in the second angular position, a second bar mounted for angular movement with said first mentioned bar but held against longitudinal movement, and shoulders on said second bar moved into and out of engaging relation with respect to said work pieces as incidents to the movements of said members out of and into engagement with the work pieces.

8. A machine tool organization having, in combination, a conveyor along which work pieces may be advanced, two similarly constructed machines arranged in spaced relation along said conveyor and adapted to perform roughing and finishing operations successively on the same portions of each work piece advanced along said conveyor, and mechanism operating automatically on each of said work pieces at a point between said machines to tilt the work piece relative to said conveyor and out of the position it normally occupies in passing along said conveyor and remove therefrom chips that may be retained thereon after the work piece leaves said roughing machine.

9. A machine tool having, in combination, a supporting table for a work piece, a member against which the work piece is clamped during operation thereon, a tool for operating upon said work piece, power driven mechanism for relatively moving said table and clamping mem-' ber toward each other, a control element movable from an inactive to an active position to initiate ing upon said work piece mounted on the table,

power driven mechanism by which said table may be elevated to bring a work piece thereon into operative association with said tools, a control member movable from inactive to active position to initiate operation of said mechanism, and a feeler on said member arranged to move past the work piece in the movement of said control member from inactive to active position when the work piece is in a definite position on said table, but to be blocked by the work piece in any other position thereof whereby to prevent effective operation of said member when the work piece is incorrectly positioned.

11. A machine tool having, in combination, three or more work locating abutments spaced for engagement with widely spaced points on one side of a work piece to be machined, means for moving the work piece toward and against said abutments to locate the piece in position to be operated upon, three or more independently operable feelers one disposed closely adjacent each of said abutments and responsive to the final increment of movement of corresponding points on the work piece surface and devices actuated by the respective feelers and operating to detect full contact oi the work piece with each of said abutments or separation thereof from the abutments by more than a few thousandths of an inch whereby to indicate the absence or the presence of foreign matter at any one of the points, and mechanism controlled by the joint action of said devices for machining the located work piece, said mechanism being disabled against effective operation when any one of said devices is not actuated.

12. A machine tool for operating on a work piece having, in combination, a plurality of abutments positioned for engagement with points spaced around one side surface of said work piece, power operated means for moving the work piece and abutments toward each other and into abutting engagement, three or more independently movable feelers projecting beyond said abutments I for engagement with widely spaced portions of the work surface in the final movement of the work piece against said abutments, a control switch for each of said feelers sensitive to movements of a few thousandths of an inch, connections between the feelers and the respective switches operable to amplify the motions of the former and cause opening or. closing of the switch in response to feeler movements sufficiently small to detect the presence or absence of fine chips between said abutments and said work surface, a tool for operating on the clamped work piece, power driven mechanism for effecting relative feeding movement between said tool and work piece, and means controlled by the joint action of said switches to govern effective operation of said feeding mechanism.

13. A machine tool having, in combination, a support mounted for vertical movement and having a surface on which a work piece may be supported, a downwardly facing abutment against which an upwardly facing surface of a work piece on said support will be clamped as the support is elevated, a tool, a support for said tool movable in a direction other than vertical to cause the tool to perform a metal-removing operation on a work piece clamped against said abutment, power actuated mechanism for feeding said tool support, a movable feeler projecting below said abutment for engagement with the work piece in the final increment of upward movement thereof, a control device sensitive to movements of its movable element of a few thousandths of an inch and controlling the operation of said mechanism, and a connection between said feeler and said movable element operable to multiply the motion of the feeler several times and render said device sensitive to a final work piece movement suiiiciently small to maintain said mechanism disabled in the event that the work and abutment surfaces are separated by fine chips or the like after clamping of the work piece.

14. A machine tool for operating on a work piece having, in combination, a plurality of abutments positioned for engagement with points spaced around one side surface of said workpiece, means for moving the work piece and abutments toward each other and into abutting engagement, a feeler projecting beyond said abutment for engagement with the work surface in the final movement of the work piece against said abutments, a control switch sensitive to movements of a few thousandths of an inch, a connection between the feeler and said switch operable to amplify the motion of the former several times and cause opening or closing of the switch in response to a feeler movement sumciently small to detect the presence or absence of fine chips between said abutments and said work surface,

a tool for operating on the clamped work piece, power driven mechanism for effecting relative feeding movement between said tool and work piece, and means controlled by said switch to govern effective operation of said feeding mechanism.

15. A machine tool organization having, in combination, a conveyor along which work pieces may be advanced, two operating stations and an intervening idle station spaced along said conveyor, mechanisms at said operating stations for performing metal removing operations on work pieces at rest in such stations, means by which a plurality of work pieces may be advanced simultaneously along said "conveyor to advance work pieces from one station to the next, and power operated mechanism at said idle station operable on a work piece resting therein while said metal removingmechanisms are operating to move such work piece out of and back into its normal idle position relative to said conveyor inv a manner such as to remove chips formed at the first operating station and accumulated on the work piece in positions to interfere with location, clamping, and machining of the work piece in the second station.

FREDERICK J. KAMPMEIER. 

